Splitter module holder and coupler for adding additional splitter modules to optical fiber distribution hub

Abstract

A splitter module holding system and fiber distribution hub cabinet and related method are provided. The splitter module holding system is configured to add additional splitter modules to a fiber distribution hub cabinet that includes preinstalled optical fiber splitter modules. The splitter module holding system is configured to receive at least four splitter modules and to support the at least four splitter modules from a surface within a fiber distribution hub cabinet that is distinct and separate from the position and location of the preinstalled optical fiber splitter modules.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A modular optical fiber distribution housing comprising:
 a plurality of walls, each of the plurality of walls including an inner surface that together define an interior compartment of the housing; 
 a primary splitter module support rack supporting at least one splitter module, the primary splitter module support rack coupled to and supported by a first inner surface of a first wall of the plurality of walls within the interior compartment; and 
 a secondary splitter module holder arranged a distance from the primary splitter module support rack and supporting at least one additional splitter module, the secondary splitter module holder coupled to and supported by a second inner surface of a second wall of the plurality of walls within the interior compartment, wherein the second wall is different from the first wall. 
 
     
     
       2. The modular optical fiber distribution housing of  claim 1  wherein the secondary splitter module holder is located above the primary splitter module support rack within the interior compartment. 
     
     
       3. The modular optical fiber distribution housing of  claim 2  further comprising a distribution field supported within the interior compartment and a door closing an entry opening of the interior compartment, wherein the secondary splitter module holder is located in a space between the distribution field and the door in the horizontal direction. 
     
     
       4. The modular optical fiber distribution housing of  claim 1  further comprising at least four splitter modules supported by the secondary splitter module holder, wherein each splitter module includes a plurality of output fibers extending from each splitter module. 
     
     
       5. The modular optical fiber distribution housing of  claim 4  wherein the output fibers of each splitter module extend downward away from the splitter module holder. 
     
     
       6. The modular optical fiber distribution housing of  claim 4  wherein the output fibers of each splitter module extend horizontally outward away from the splitter module holder. 
     
     
       7. The modular optical fiber distribution housing of  claim 4  wherein the secondary splitter module holder includes a plurality of walls forming a substantially rectangular box, and interior surfaces of the box define the interior chamber, wherein at least one of the plurality of walls includes an entrance opening through which all of the at least four splitter modules are received to enter the interior chamber. 
     
     
       8. The modular optical fiber distribution housing of  claim 7  further comprising a coupling structure that is coupled to and supports the secondary splitter module holder from the second inner surface of the second wall, wherein the coupling structure is located to the right of the entrance opening of the secondary splitter module holder. 
     
     
       9. The modular optical fiber distribution housing of  claim 7  further comprising a mounting plate, the mounting plate includes a receiving rail extending from a lower surface of the mounting plate, wherein the secondary splitter module holder includes a support rail extending from an upper surface of the secondary splitter module and, wherein the support rail engages the receiving rail such that the secondary splitter module holder is supported by the mounting plate, wherein the mounting plate includes at least one fastener hole located through the mounting plate located at a position to the right of the entrance opening of the rectangular box when the support rail is engaged with the receiving rail. 
     
     
       10. The modular optical fiber distribution housing of  claim 7  further comprising a mounting bracket coupled to a right sidewall of the plurality of walls of the splitter module holder, wherein the mounting bracket includes at least one hook that engages the second inner surface of the second wall of the housing to support the secondary splitter module holder within the interior chamber. 
     
     
       11. The modular optical fiber distribution housing of  claim 4  wherein the secondary splitter module holder includes an elongate mounting plate with a row of at least four splitter module mounting openings, a first attachment arm extending away from a first end of the elongate mounting plate and a second attachment arm extending away from a second end of the elongate mounting plate, opposite the first end, wherein the first attachment arm includes a first mounting flange substantially parallel to and spaced from the elongate splitter module mounting plate and wherein the second attachment arm includes a second mounting flange substantially parallel to and spaced from the elongate splitter module mounting plate. 
     
     
       12. The modular optical fiber distribution housing of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the first wall is a rear wall or a bottom wall of the housing; and 
 the secondary splitter module holder is coupled to the second wall via a main adaptor panel of the housing. 
 
     
     
       13. The modular optical fiber distribution housing of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the primary splitter module support rack holds and distributes 144 fibers, 288 fibers, or 432 fibers from the at least one splitter module; and 
 the second splitter module holder holds and distributes 128 additional fibers from the at least one additional splitter module.